Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that data protection regulation supports innovation and competitiveness in the UK's digital publishing and advertising markets.

As noted in the answer to HL12548, HL12549, HL12551, the Government is currently exploring options for additional exemptions to the cookie consent rules in the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations. It will consider the Information Commisisoner’s Office’s recommendations in this area carefully in due course.

Officials have met with the Professional Publishers Association and other trade associations to discuss how this work could support online advertisers, whilst preserving high standards of privacy for web users. The government will undertake further engagement with relevant stakeholders to consider the impact and design of any new proposals before deciding how to proceed.